When you’re arrested and granted bail, you’re allowed to be released from custody while you await your court date. Posting bail gives you the chance to go home and prepare for your trial, but it also comes with an important responsibility: attending all scheduled court hearings.
But what if you miss your court date after posting bail? The consequences can be serious and may turn a simple mistake into a major legal issue. Here’s what could happen if you fail to appear in court after posting bail, including the loss of your bond, the possibility of arrest, and potential additional charges.
Loss of Bail Bond
The most immediate consequence of missing a court date is the forfeiture of your bail bond. Bail is set as a guarantee that you’ll appear for your hearings, so if you don’t show up, the court will consider the bond forfeited.
For example, if a bail bondsman posts your bail, they’re financially on the hook for the full amount. If you fail to appear, the bondsman will lose that money and may take legal action to recover it.
The amount at risk depends on the type of bond. If you posted a cash bond, you’ll lose the full amount. With a surety bond (through a bail bondsman), the bondsman must cover the full bond amount and may seek reimbursement from you.
Arrest Warrant Issued
Failure to appear in court triggers the issuance of an arrest warrant. This gives law enforcement the authority to arrest you wherever you are, whether it’s at home, work, or elsewhere, even if some time has passed since your original court date.
Once arrested, you could be held in custody until you’re brought before a judge. You may also face new charges related to your failure to appear.
Additional Charges for Missing Court
In many places, failing to show up for court results in an extra charge, often called “failure to appear.” This charge is separate from your original offense and can carry significant penalties.
The severity of the charge depends on the nature of your original crime. For example:
- Misdemeanors: Missing a court date for a misdemeanor could lead to an additional misdemeanor charge, fines, or short jail time.
- Felonies: If your original charge was a felony, failing to appear could result in felony charges, which may lead to longer sentences or larger fines.
Even if you missed court for a legitimate reason, such as a medical emergency or travel issues, you will likely still face penalties unless you can prove your excuse. If you can’t, the court may view your absence as intentional defiance.
Increased Bail or No Bail
If you’re arrested due to a missed court date, you may face higher bail or even have bail denied altogether. A judge may raise your bail to ensure you attend future hearings or refuse to grant bail if they believe you’re a flight risk. In some cases, the judge may revoke your original bail, forcing you to remain in jail until your case is concluded.
Damage to Your Reputation
A failure to appear can damage your reputation with the court and law enforcement. It may lead to a loss of trust in your commitment to the legal process, which can affect future interactions with the justice system. This could make it harder to secure bail in future cases, deal with probation officers, or even lead to more severe sentencing down the line.
Impact on Co-Signers or Family Members
If someone co-signed your bail bond, like a family member or friend, they may face financial repercussions if you miss your court date. The court will hold them responsible for the full bond amount if you skip out, and they could also face legal consequences if they helped you avoid law enforcement.
What to Do If You Miss Your Court Date
If you realize you’ve missed your court appearance, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact Your Attorney: Reach out to your lawyer immediately. They may be able to request a new court date, explain your absence, or help minimize the consequences.
- Turn Yourself In: If an arrest warrant has been issued, it’s generally best to voluntarily surrender rather than wait for law enforcement to find you. This shows the judge that you’re taking responsibility.
- Provide an Explanation: If you missed court for a legitimate reason (like illness or an emergency), gather documentation (e.g., medical records or proof of the emergency) to present to the court.
The Bottom Line
Missing a court date after posting bail is a serious error that can lead to several negative consequences, including losing your bail bond, being arrested, facing new charges, and possibly having bail denied in the future. If you miss your court date, it’s crucial to act swiftly to minimize the damage.
Attending court isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about showing respect for the legal process and helping ensure the best possible outcome for your case. If you’re unsure about what to do or need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact a legal professional.
About Bail Bonds St. Tammany
Bail Bonds St. Tammany is a local bonding company. With several locations throughout the state of Louisiana, we service St. Tammany Parish Jail in Covington, Livingston Parish Jail in Livingston, Jefferson Parish Jail in Gretna, Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite, St. John Parish Jail in Laplace, and many more.
For more than 20 years in the industry, Bail Bonds St. Tammany has been providing both families and individuals with expedient and efficient bail service. We are reliable at any time, day or night. We are always here for our clients and we treat people who require bail as people, not criminals. There is no way of knowing the circumstances behind what has happened to an accused, and we firmly believe in “innocent until proven guilty.” This respectful approach to our clients is part of what makes Bail Bonds St. Tammany better than the competition.
We process all bond payments securely, and our friendly staff is efficient and hardworking, getting all the required paperwork done as quickly as possible. We do not want loved ones to stay in custody longer than necessary. Our bail bondsman will make the entire process of obtaining bail simple and painless. Let industry knowledge work for you.
We offer payment plans, too. For more details on the types of bail bonds we offer, and to get started, call any of our locations, or fill out an online form.
